go. But I weary you--yes?" and with a quick, bird-like glance she
asked the question.

"Oh, no, indeed!" answered Cora. Then the girl told of traveling out
of New York City, into the surrounding towns, plying her humble
calling. She made a bare living, that was all, dwelling in the
cheapest places, and subsisting on the coarsest food in order to save
her money for her father's cause. Then came a sad day when she was
robbed--in one of her, stopping places, of her little horde. She
told of it with tears in her eyes.

"The poor girl!" murmured Bess, with an instinctive movement toward
her pretty, silver purse.

Inez Ralcanto, for such she said was her name, her father being Senor
Rafael Ralcanto, was heartbroken and well nigh discouraged at her
loss. But to live she must continue, and so she did. She made
barely enough to live on, by selling her laces, and since reaching
Chelton the day-before, she had not sold a penny's worth. Her money
was exhausted, and she was nearly on the verge of fainting when she
applied at the Kimball home. Cora's mother had seemed interested in
the lace, which really was beautifully worked, and while showing it
on the porch, the girl had overheard the mention of her home island.
The rest is known to the reader.

"And so I am so silly as to faint!" said Inez, with a little tinkling
laugh. "But I faint in good hands--I am so grateful to you!" she
went on, warmly, her olive checks flushing.

"And you want to go to Sea Horse Island?" asked Belle.